MHPSS Project Manager

SOS Villaggi dei Bambini ETS is committed to ensuring that children and young people who cannot benefit from adequate parental care grow up in a situation of equality with their peers, realizing their full potential and the possibility of living an independent life. It has been operating for over 60 years in Italy and today runs 8 Programs and SOS Villages, in Trento, Ostuni, Vicenza, Saronno, Mantua, Turin, Crotone and Milan. SOS Villaggi dei Bambini takes cares for more than 2,600 people, including children, youth and families living in severe situations of hardship, and promotes the rights of more than 47,000 children and young people who benefit from its Advocacy activities. It is part of SOS Children’s Villages network, which supports about 3 million people in 136 countries and territories. At the international level, SOS Villaggi dei Bambini hosts and manages the Global Program Expert Group (GPEG) on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).

MHPSS Project Manager

The MHPSS project manager (PM) supports, monitors and evaluates the execution of the assigned MHPSS projects implemented by the MHPSS Hub in collaboration with PSAs, MAs and external partners, funded by institutional or private resources. This involves effectively managing and reporting on the projects in line with objectives, timeframe, and budget.

Availability and type of contract: Consultant, 10 months (starting March 2025 until December 2025) Renewable until 2027.

Working Location: Flexible/Remote with travel to project countries (Haiti, Senegal, Mozambique, Togo, Bangladesh, Svezia….)

Main Goals:
The Global Programme Expert Group on Mental Health and Psycho-social Support (GPEG on MHPSS), hosted by SOS Villaggi dei Bambini (SOS VdB), aims to mainstream Mental Health and Psycho-social Support (MHPSS) in various SOS Children’s Villages (SOS CV) programs. GPEG on MHPSS provides technical expertise for the quality implementation of MHPSS interventions across the federation, particularly in projects funded by institutions and corporate entities.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Manage the assigned MHPSS projects in order to meet the project objectives within budget and within the allotted time frame, reporting promptly operational concerns to her/his supervisor (e.g. projected failure to meet objectives; increased beneficiary needs; projected over or under spending on project budget, etc.)
• Continuously monitor and supervise MHPSS activities, evaluating progress through outputs and impacts using both quantitative and qualitative data as well as the Quality Assurance framework promoted by the MHPSS Hub, and taking appropriate action as needed to ensure continued progress
• Ensure alignment with donor requirements and organizational priorities and procedures
• Draft accurate and timely narrative and financial reports in accordance with donors’ requirements and guidelines, in cooperation with the Grants Specialist of SOS VdB
• Coordinate and supervise the technical experts involved for the implementation of planned activities (e.g., MHPSS Technical Advisors, expert trainers, researchers, etc.), ensuring that both administrative and operational requirements are taken care of
• Ensure adherence to SOS VdB’s internal procedures and requirements for the implementation of the MHPSS Hub’s projects (e.g., purchase orders, coordination and collaboration with other areas, including HR and Admin&Finance, etc.)
• Facilitate regular meetings to assist information sharing between project staff, to ensure all project members (including at MA and PSA levels) are aware of project objectives and current work plans and to provide the opportunity for feedback
• Contribute to the development of new project proposals
• Coordinate logistical aspects to ensure smooth implementation of the MHPSS Hub’s activities and projects;
• Manage the administrative and operational aspects of projects and activities linked to the MHPSS Hub, including projects funded by institutional and/or corporate donors or directly by PSAs to achieve the operational support and capacity building targets included in the MHPSS Hub’s Strategy and work plan
• Liaise with key stakeholders in MAs and PSAs involved in the management and/or oversight of the MHPSS projects supported and/or promoted by the MHPSS Hub
• Represent, when needed, the organisation and the work of the MHPSS Hub with external stakeholders and networks, including peer NGOs, local authorities, academic actors, international institutions and bodies, etc.

The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

Requirements:

• Advanced degree in International Relations, Social Sciences, Economics. A degree or certification in Psychology, Global Mental Health or a related field represents an added value
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in a similar capacity
• Good numerical, report writing and administration skills
• Able to prioritse clearly and oversee multiple tasks
• Able to take the initiative in project decisions, in accordance with reporting lines
• Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy
• The capacity and willingness to be extremely flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes insecure working circumstances
• Experience of representation and ability to represent SOS Children’s Villages effectively in external forums
• Commitment to the aims and principles of SOS Children’s Villages. In particular, a good understanding of the SOS Children’s Villages mandate and child focus and an ability to ensure this continues to underpin our support
• Excellent knowledge of English, spoken and written. A working level of French, Portuguese and/or Arabic represents an added value

Desirable:
• Experience working in emergency response, protracted crises or fragile state contexts
• Communication and influencing skills with experience in advocacy
• Experience in promoting children’s participation in programme design, implementation and evaluation.
• Good understanding of child protection and gender equality & inclusion